The Angel and the New Semester

Amane, who had woken up early for the start of the new semester, found it a little disappointing that no one was next to him.

A face-to-face encounter with Mahiru's father, Asahi, and Mahiru's emotional outburst. It all happened on the last day of summer vacation, but it wasn't all that bad. The feelings of Mahiru's father, which had been shrouded in mystery until then, began to be disclosed in small parts. Amane professed that he wanted to protect Mahiru for the rest of her life, and in turn he was able to make up his mind to continue walking beside her.

Mahiru seemed to accept it. Amane hadn't made any clear promises to her just yet, but even so, he wanted to believe that she'd accept them when the time came. He jokingly asked Mahiru if she wanted to stay with him overnight, but in the end, she didn't do so.

He had intended to coerce her into staying the night if it seemed like she was really going to be crushed by her unbearable pain, but it appeared that Amane's words put her at ease, and she left with a faint smile lacking strength, but she wasn't broken at heart.

I hope she's not pushing herself too hard…

As he changed into his uniform, he thought back to what had happened to Mahiru the day before, but she seemed to have calmed down considerably through Amane's consoling. There was a fair bit of unease when Amane noted that he alone occupied the majority of Mahiru's life, since there were things that he couldn't help her with himself. His expression darkened a little, wondering what to do if she was still sorrowful, but just as he fastened his belt, he heard the sound of someone unlocking the front door. It was their first day at school after summer vacation, so she must have come earlier than usual.

Amane promptly left his bedroom, necktie in hand, and found Mahiru standing at the entrance to the kitchen putting on her apron.

"Good morning." Mahiru greeted him with her usual smile, and Amane was silently relieved.

"Morning. Did you sleep well?"

"I'm not so depressed as to make you worry about me, and I'm fine now. I've cleared up my mind."

"Even if you say that so clearly, your emotions are something else. Well, you may think I'm worrying too much, but let me know if it gets painful. I'll support you with all my might."

"Thank you very much… I'll be counting on you."

Mahiru turned into a little bundle of shyness and she seemed to really mean what she said, so Amane smiled lightly at her and headed for the bathroom to get dressed.

✧ ₊ ✦ ₊ ✧ 

"Have you forgotten anything?"

Mahiru called out to him after he ate the breakfast she made him, and was just about to head out of the house.

Even if she asked if he forgot something, he prepared everything beforehand, so there probably wasn't anything. He put everything he needed in his bag ahead of time to make sure, and he shouldn't have any problems.

"I don't think I forgot anything." "Really?"

"Yeah, why are you doubting me?" "…Haven't you forgotten this?"

Mahiru looked a little exasperated as she motioned to his uniform. It was a school-designated necktie that Amane intended to tie later since it was so hot. When she reminded him that he'd left it in the bathroom after washing his face, he finally remembered.

"Ahhh," he said without thinking, and he could hear her sigh. "There's the opening ceremony later, so you have to be well-dressed."

"Honestly, geez," Mahiru said as she tried to wrap the necktie around his neck, and Amane crouched down lightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed. Of course, he could do it himself, since it was basically something he'd done every day before summer vacation, but he didn't want to stop her if Mahiru was going to do it for him.

He let out a small smile at the sight of Mahiru diligently fixing his necktie.

No doubt she'll be embarrassed once she realizes it later.

It was heart-warming for him to see her acting like his newlywed wife. Amane was grateful that she did it naturally without thinking, but more than that, he was looking forward to her blushing face when she realized it later, so everything was good.

As he peered at Mahiru, who was still carefully tying his necktie, she noticed that the style of his gaze was different from usual, and she gave him a suspicious look.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing. I was just thinking about how happy I am." "That's fine, but you're so careless sometimes, Amane-kun."

"I guess so. You could say that I let my guard down because you're here, Mahiru."

"Geez. You're helpless."

Mahiru let out a happy yelp as she finished tying his necktie, seemingly satisfied. Since it was happening in front of the door, he thought she was like a wife sending her husband off to work, but Mahiru would ignore him for a while if he said so, so he kept quiet.

Instead, he patted her on the head and held her hand firmly. "Okay, let's go."

"Yes."

Without hesitation, Amane smiled at Mahiru and took her hand as if he was used to it, and opened the door while holding her bag. She intended to carry it herself, but since she was doing so much for him, Amane at least wanted to do this much for her. Mahiru's cheeks relaxed and she was slightly happy at Amane's unyielding refusal to back down and lightly headbutted his upper arm.

"What's wrong?" Amane asked, curious. "…It's nothing."

"If you say so, then that's fine."

He wasn't so dull as to take what she said at face value, but if Mahiru wasn't going to say any more, he wouldn't press any further.

"I'm heading off."

When Amane muttered to himself, Mahiru stared at him and echoed, "I'm heading off," as if following his lead.

Thinking that his apartment was the place he returned home to with Mahiru made him blush, and he relaxed his cheeks with a mixture of embarrassment and happiness, but Mahiru didn't question his change in expression.

After all, Mahiru was beaming happily, her face already a faint red color and there was no way that she would notice Amane's embarrassment.

He took the blissful Mahiru's hand once again, and she squeezed back in the same way.

✧ ₊ ✦ ₊ ✧ 

It was September, but the heat still showed no signs of receding. Even in the morning, it was sweltering and the sun was shining brightly.

Regardless, once they reached the school grounds, they could bask in the air conditioning.

"…Are you trying to escort us into the scorching heat first thing in the morning?"

"What do you mean?"

Amane, seated in the classroom, was chatting with Mahiru when for some reason, Itsuki called out to him with a strained expression.

"C'mon… When you're flirting like this it's just showing off…"

"Showing off? You know we were just having a normal conversation, man."

"Yeah, the conversation showed that you two are serious students, but just look at the atmosphere, your attitudes, and the gazes you were giving each other."

After entering the classroom and greeting their classmates, the two of them began to review how they would do on the last tests, but even that made it seem like they were flirting.

In Amane's eyes, he was just being diligent in preparing for the next test, so it didn't feel right to have it be labeled as flirting.

"It's about time you stopped being so naive when Shiina-san is involved.

Definitely not in public, at least."

"I didn't even do anything this time. We were just checking the scope of the questions and memorizing the quiz."

"…This is why you're so…" "I'm not following."

When Amane looked at him, wondering what on earth he was talking about, Itsuki gave him the same look once again.

"Look around you."

He did as he was told and looked around him, only to be met with murderous glares aimed at him from the boys. The girls looked at him with smiles and a hint of envy.

Yuuta, Kazuya, and Makoto, who had been enjoying their chat, smiled wryly and also gave him lukewarm smiles, to which Amane's cheeks twitched slightly.

"Lately, you two have been having a hard time seeing things around you. Do you get it?"

"…You and Chitose were like that as well, you know."

"How rude. We were flirting like that on purpose. It's not like we're married like you two are, Amane."

"I'm not so sure about that, either."

Apparently, all their flirting up until now was done intentionally, so that seemed like a bigger problem, but the overall opinion of the class was more problematic.

Mahiru's cheeks were slightly flushed from Itsuki's words, looking restless and uncomfortable, so she may have been aware of it herself. If that was the case, Amane wished she had told him beforehand.

"…Was I really grinning at her that much?"

"I wouldn't really call it a grin, but there's a huge difference in attitude between how you treat others and how you treat her… you can tell just from your gaze and the flow of the conversation that you're doting on her."

"…I can't deny what Akazawa-san said." "It was that bad?"

Of course, Amane was careful not to act like they usually did when they spent time together, but from the way Mahiru was averting her gaze, it seemed like he wasn't doing a very good job of it.

He touched his cheeks, wondering if his expressions really looked so soft, but he didn't really understand it himself.

✧ ₊ ✦ ₊ ✧

It was the first day back in school after summer vacation, so once the school-wide assembly was over and the homeroom teacher had notified the class, they were free to head straight home.

Usually, it wouldn't be strange for classes to be held afterward, but thanks to the upcoming tests, classes were disbanded early.

"I don't wanna do the test~"

After homeroom ended, Chitose made her way over to Itsuki's seat and slumped over his desk, murmuring in disgust that seemed to come from the bottom of her heart.

"Really? If you study every day, you'll be able to revise well, so you'd get to go home earlier than when we have normal classes, so it's pretty easy."

"That's something honor students like Amane and Mahirun say. Generally speaking, tests are unpleasant. Right, Yuu-chan?"

"Ahaha. Well, I guess I can understand how you both feel. Personally, I feel lonely without club activities, but I also feel comfortable taking a break. I don't think there's much to think about on the test itself."

"Kuh, Yuu-chan's an honor student too…"

Yuuta was the ace of the track team, but he wasn't just good at sports. In fact, he was good at studying too. Between the high and low end, he'd be classified as one of the higher scorers.

Chitose may have been in the go-home club, but she was a former track and field club member and preferred to exercise rather than using her head, so she didn't seem to be very good at tests especially when her daily efforts left her with a lot to mumble about. Though the main reason was probably that she just didn't like studying in the first place.

"Ikkuuun, everyone's bullying me."

"You say that, but… Well, we'll just have to do our best, Chi." "Ikkun, you traitor. You were studying even during summer vacation." "If my grades start to drop, I won't be able to do whatever I want."

Itsuki cackled and said that his father was pestering him to get better grades. Itsuki was a good-natured student to begin with, but he tended to prioritize

Chitose, so he only got average grades instead. That was probably what Itsuki's father didn't like.

His family must have had it rough in a lot of ways, Amane thought sympathetically as he prepared to go home, just as Mahiru, who seemed to have already finished preparing, came over to him with her bag in hand.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I was talking to the teacher…"

"It's fine, I was just chatting with Itsuki. Chitose was just lamenting that she won't be able to do tomorrow's test."

"There's nothing I can do about that." "I've been abandoned!"

"It would be reckless for you to memorize all the details the day before the test, so… I'd like to know what our long vacation was for."

Chitose, who had looked up at Mahiru hearing her logic, then slumped over her desk once more.

"You reap what you sow," he said while flashing her a pitying glance. Even Amane couldn't do anything about Chitose's memory and her lack of daily effort.

It was just that despite her concern, Mahiru's statement was quite harsh, but with a troubled smile, she pulled a clear file out of her bag and gently handed it over to Chitose.

"I thought this would happen, so I put together a summary of the important parts that will be on the test. I think you'll be able to avoid failing."

"Mahirun, you're an Angel!"

"I told you to stop calling me that…"

Mahiru smiled wryly at Chitose, who had jumped to her feet and hugged her suddenly.

As it were, Amane lent a hand in creating the notes and sussed out the topics that were likely to be covered on the test.

Amane and Mahiru, who understood the teacher's habits when making tests, discussed it and picked out the main points. He'd feel bad if he missed the point of being a teacher, but even so, he has definitely chosen a place that'll be on the test, so he should be able to get a good score.

"He also helped me out, so please don't thank only me but Amane-kun as well."

"Oh, Amane-sama, I am grateful. Would you like a picture of Mahirun eating a crepe with whipped cream on her cheeks, or Mahirun watching a horror movie with tears in her eyes?"

"Chitose-san?!" "Both, I guess."

"Not you too, Amane-kun!"

Amane couldn't help but laugh at Mahiru, who was blushing and frowning that she had her picture taken before she knew it.

"I'm kidding." "…Really?"

"Well, if you'll give it to me, I'll take it."

There was nothing wrong with the photo itself, and if he was going to get a picture of Mahiru's cute appearance from her friend, he'd be more than happy to have it.

Mahiru looked dissatisfied with Amane's replies, but as Chitose was cackling, she didn't turn her anger toward Amane but instead let out a sulky "Chitose-san, you dummy."

"Getting along is a good thing, Mahirun. It means that Amane's so crazy for you that he can't help but want your pictures."

"That's that, and this is this."

Amane and Chitose both laughed at Mahiru's flat declaration and turned away in a huff, which made Mahiru sulk even more.

✧ ₊ ✦ ₊ ✧

"So you got it after all?"

Mahiru called out to him in a subtly sulky tone just as they were about to get home. She didn't seem to mind the fact that she'd been photographed in and of itself, but she seemed reluctant to show it to Amane, so she gave him a slightly prickly look.

"I dunno."

"…I'll add a lot of wasabi to the broth first, just for your soba. It'll be so delicious that you'll want to cry." "I'm sorry. I didn't get it."

With his lunch on the line, dodging the question was bound to be a bad move, so he quietly confessed.

Mahiru didn't like the sound of it so Amane decided not to ask her without permission. Of course, he was planning to have Chitose show him as soon as he got permission.

Mahiru, visibly relieved by Amane's words, replied in a voice that had somewhat returned to her mood, "That's fine, then," and began tying up her hair to begin cooking.

"You disliked it that much?"

"I-It's not that I don't like it… Um, I look pathetic, and it's embarrassing… I definitely don't look cute."

"I don't think so. I think any Mahiru would be attractive." "…You're saying that again."

Mahiru shyly averted her face as she tied her hair back into a dumpling, put on her apron, and began washing her hands.

Amane was also planning on helping with the condiments and preparing the plates, so he started washing his hands next to her, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Mahiru's cheeks were slightly red.

"What would you do if Akazawa-san sent me a picture of you looking pathetic?"

"Hmm. Depends on the situation, I guess, but I'd forgive you if it's anything other than photos you can't show in public. Well, I don't think Itsuki would send something that bad, and I wouldn't have pictures taken of me like that to begin with. Also, I don't remember exposing myself like that."

"…Does that include the one with cat ears?"

"That time I was forced to wear them at karaoke, right? I don't mind."

It was probably a picture from when the three of them went to karaoke and Itsuki brought cat ears for some reason, forcing them on him. Yuuta was holding back a laugh too, so he took them off right away, but evidently, it was secretly photographed.

Mahiru hung her head uncomfortably at Amane's quick acceptance. "…I should be the one apologizing for getting that picture without your permission, Amane-kun."

"Well, Itsuki's the one to blame there anyway. He probably sent it out of nowhere anyway. I'll just have him treat me to a hamburger next time."

He was afraid that there were still more photos sleeping in Itsuki's folder, but there was nothing terrible about it. He wiped his hands with the soft towel he'd just pulled out and smiled at the apologetic Mahiru.

"Come on, don't worry about it. I'd be happier if you prepared a small bowl and plenty of condiments instead of looking apologetic."

"…Wasabi, too?"

"Please don't add too much."

Mahiru smiled a little and put more regular vegetables in a small bowl than usual as if she'd lost focus once he replied with a serious look.

✧ ₊ ✦ ₊ ✧

"There's a test tomorrow, but it's not like we can put it off."

Finishing his soba, Amane rubbed his stomach in satisfaction and murmured.

Amane liked to study and put in a lot of effort on a daily basis, so he wasn't worried about the test itself at all. In fact, he was more worried about Chitose's grades.

"Well, you're right. All we have to do is use our usual knowledge."

"If Chitose heard that, she'd probably sulk and say, 'You can say that because you're an honor student.'"

"Fufu. All the more so since Chitose-san seems to have a weakness this time.

I'll teach her thoroughly next time."

I can already hear Chitose screaming, he thought to himself, but he kept that in mind and gazed at Mahiru, who was calm even the day before the test.

"By the way, what should we do about the reward this time?" "Eh? A reward?"

"Even if it's natural for you to take first place, you still need a reward. I'll do anything I can."

"You used to lie your head on my lap as a reward, didn't you? In that case, wouldn't you need a reward as well?"

"Making you happy is my reward."

"…That's not fair, even though I'm the same way."

Mahiru tapped his thighs while looking a little sulky, so Amane gently took her hand with a wry smile.

"I want to do something for Mahiru, so let me do it this time." "Um… th-then, there's something."

"What do you want?"

Mahiru, who usually didn't have much desire in that regard, wanted something, and it was rare for her to beg for it, so when he looked into her caramel-colored eyes, her gaze averted embarrassingly.

"…Um, there's a cushion in your room, right?" "Eh, yeah."

"That's what I want."

His eyes blinked repeatedly at her unexpected request, and Mahiru stirred her body, making no attempt to hide the blush rising on her cheeks.

"Huh? I usually use it when I sleep, so it's pretty worn out. Is that okay?" "If anything, it's better if it's used… Um… because your smell calms me down."

"…Do you have a smell fetish, Mahiru?"

"Fweh, it's not a fetish or anything! I love you, so I love your smell, and I'd be happy if you were by my side!"

"Y-Yeah."

He felt like she was saying something embarrassing. It was much more embarrassing than being told he liked her directly, so he scratched his cheek and recalled the cushion in his room.

Mahiru usually hugged that cushion when she entered Amane's room. He thought it was because it would calm her down if she held something, but maybe it was because it was Amane's that she always hugged it.

"You don't have to make an excuse or anything…"

"Well, um… it isn't as stimulating as the real you, Amane-kun." "Is that so?"

"That's how it is! I mean, you smell good, you're warm, and your body is toned and masculine… It makes my heart race so much. That's not good for relaxing."

Mahiru hugged the cushion she'd left behind, perhaps aware of her habit of hugging the cushion if anything happened.

As Mahiru enveloped the cushion with a somewhat bashful look on her face, as if hugging a stuffed animal, Amane smiled quietly and lightly patted her head.